BEN AND BETTY DAVENPORT GIFT
BOOSTS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN VIRGINIA
A highlight of the 50th anniversary gala
was an announcement by Governor
McAuliffe that Ben and Betty Davenport
have made a $1 million donation to
establish the Davenport Early Childhood
Development Institute.
The Institute will partner with four of
Virginia’s Community Colleges – Danville,
Patrick Henry, Virginia Western, and New
River – to ensure high-quality training and
education for childcare workers.
“It is imperative that our education system
prepare children for the opportunities
of tomorrow by giving them the tools
for educational success as early in life
as possible,” said Governor McAuliffe,
speaking at the gala. “I sincerely thank the
Davenport family for their generosity, and I
commend the Virginia Community College
System for their innovation and their
individualized attention to students across
the commonwealth.”
“We believe every child should have
the opportunity to have a successful,
productive life,” the Davenports
stated. “Children need proper care and
educational instruction from the beginning
of life. The Virginia Community College
System is at the forefront of providing the
training to make this happen.”
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Betty and Ben Davenport

Ben Davenport currently serves as
chairman of two companies, each of
which employs more than 100 area
residents – Davenport Energy and First
Piedmont Corporation, a full-service waste
management company he started in 1969.
Longtime philanthropists, the Davenports
have a history of advocating on behalf
of early childhood education. Betty has

served on the board of Smart Beginnings
Danville/Pittsylvania, and Ben is director
emeritus of the Virginia Early Childhood
Foundation.
This golden couple is also celebrating their
50th wedding anniversary, having married
in the same year the Virginia Community
College System was created.